BY LIVETT MYRNE COMFORT
Western province government’s wary of increasing illegal residents occupying government land in the provincial headquarters, Gizo.
Premier Christian Mesepitu pointed out, that squatters in the province’s urban centres are a pressing issue that gives rise to several other issues related to loose urbanization.
There is an increasing number of squatters, especially in Gizo urban centres, he said. Illegal dwellers become liabilities to the government and they occupied most of the land that is not surveyed.
The increasing number of illegal erection of buildings encouraged urban drifts causing more social issues.
He also pointed out that as authorities find it difficult to deal with street vendors who are disobedient to orders, his executive sees dealing with illegal settlers as a way of tackling the issue, especially people who are ignorant of public health measures.
“Most market betel nut vendors who are not complying to covid protocols come from squatters within town boundary and Gizo Islands.” The premier said.
He further stated that his Government plans to tackle the issue, and is looking at a master development concept for the whole of Gizo Island.
“What the western provincial executive is looking forward to is an expansion strategy for Gizo Town boundary, resettlement plans for settlers affected by climate change and resettlement of Gizo township strategy.”
Mesepitu believes that Land in Gizo Island can only be developed in partnership with locals, with a proper allocation of land to developers with a partnership concept.
Meanwhile, Gizo Town Clerk Charles Kelly also spoke out on the issue of squatters within the town boundary. Kelly said, there are illegal settlers within the Town boundary, which means they’re not following the legal process.
There are people in the boundary with no land title and they must get legal status of land title from the Commissioner of lands.
“Also before constructing a building within town boundary it must go through the right process, must have an approved building plan by the Town planning board.”
“If we followed a building standard, I think half of the buildings in Gizo are not qualified.” Kelly said, “we must follow a building standard in Gizo and also respect it.
“So in my view, there are a lot of squatters within the Gizo Town boundary. Kelly said. Gizo is a passing town where people come and go and many retired public servants settled here. Also, people build a second home here.”
